The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 37

Chapter 37

She pulled her hand back from Eloise’s grip and gave her a faint smile, sharp and polite. “Then I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you. The prescription came from an old maid at the military camp.”

“What…?” Disappointment clouded Eloise’s eyes. She looked at Athena, crestfallen, and asked with growing urgency, “That old woman–where is she now?”

Athena’s lips curved into a cold smirk. “She’s dead.”

“Dead…” Eloise’s gaze flickered with panic before she slumped back into her seat, like a beautiful dream had been snatched away just as she reached for it.

Athena looked at her calmly, fatigue creeping into her voice. “Is there anything else, Lady Eloise?”

Eloise forced a smile. “No… nothing. You rest.” Then she stood and left, looking dazed and hollow.

Athena didn’t give it much thought. She’d seen too many scenes like this to feel anything anymore. Numbness had long since become her default.

Once Eloise was gone, she drifted back to sleep.

After a full night’s rest, her injuries had eased considerably. She was still pale and looked a little weak, but much better than before.

The first thing she did was visit Margaret. Seeing Margaret looking lively and refreshed brought a wave of relief—clearly, the chaos in the household hadn’t reached her ears.

If Margaret’s health held steady, it was time for Athena to leave the duke’s estate. But she wondered, ‘How should I even begin to bring up cutting ties?‘

She bit her lip, lost in thought.

“What is it, child? Something on your mind?” Margaret asked, catching the subtle change in Athena’s expression.

Athena blinked, then smiled and shook her head. “No, nothing at all.”

She lifted a spoonful of soup and held it to Margaret’s lips. “Here, Grandmother. Just a few more sips.”

Margaret gently waved it away. “That’s enough. Just seeing you every day lifts my spirits. My dear Athena, you’re the finest girl in the world. All I wish is for you to have a smooth, peaceful life from here on.”

The words made Athena’s eyes sting. As she looked at Margaret’s snow–white hair, the words she’d intended to say–about leaving, about severing ties–got stuck in her throat.

‘Not now, she thought. ‘Not yet! She’d wait until Margaret was stronger, and then find the right moment.

As they chatted, Gwen stepped into the room. “Lady Margaret, Lady Eloise and Lady Willow are here.”

The moment those names were mentioned, Athena’s expression darkened.

Margaret gently patted her hand. “If you don’t want to see them, it’s fine. You can go rest. Let me deal with them.”

A flicker of amusement touched Athena’s lips. “It’s alright. I’ll just pretend they’re not even here. I’m here to take care of you, Grandmother.”

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She was curious to see what tricks Eloise and Willow had up their sleeves this time.

Margaret chuckled, then turned to Gwen. “Let them in.”

Gwen gave a nod, and not long after, Eloise and Willow walked into the room.

Both wore warm, pleasant smiles–Eloise beaming, Willow sweet and demure.

But to Athena, their smiles looked nothing but fake.

Sure enough, after exchanging greetings and taking their seats, Eloise got to the point. “Willow’s birthday is coming up. I thought we could throw her a little celebration–something to liven up the household.

“You’ve always loved opera, haven’t you? We could invite a troupe to perform so you can enjoy a proper show.”

Margaret instinctively glanced at Athena, a flicker of irritation in her eyes.

Athena had just returned, and Eloise had shown no interest in her. She thought, ‘But for a foster daughter’s birthday, she is suddenly brimming with enthusiasm?‘

Naturally, Margaret wasn’t pleased. Her tone cooled. “I’m too old for all that noise now. No need to invite a troupe.”

Eloise paused, clearly caught off guard by the rejection. She quickly noticed the displeasure in Margaret’s gaze.

Trying to smooth things over, she turned to Willow with a gentle smile. “It’s stuffy in here. Why don’t you two girls go have a walk?

“The estate just brought in a new batch of fabric–perfect for making dresses. Willow, why don’t you take Athena with you and help her pick something out?”

Athena raised an eyebrow. She thought, ‘Trying to get rid of me already? What are you planning that I’m not supposed to hear?‘

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